Official Expert Answer
Yes, always report it, and do it in writing. A few practical points:
• Send a short letter or email with your file number (Aktenzeichen), your old and new address, and the date of the move. Ask for a short confirmation of receipt.
• Do the Ummeldung at the Bürgeramt first, then attach the new Meldebescheinigung. Many authorities want the official proof, not just your word.
• If you stay inside the same Bundesland, the file stays with the same authority and nothing restarts. Moving to a different Bundesland is a different situation and usually means a new application there.
Most of the delays we see after a move are not caused by the move itself, but by decisions being sent to an address you no longer check.
• Send a short letter or email with your file number (Aktenzeichen), your old and new address, and the date of the move. Ask for a short confirmation of receipt.
• Do the Ummeldung at the Bürgeramt first, then attach the new Meldebescheinigung. Many authorities want the official proof, not just your word.
• If you stay inside the same Bundesland, the file stays with the same authority and nothing restarts. Moving to a different Bundesland is a different situation and usually means a new application there.
Most of the delays we see after a move are not caused by the move itself, but by decisions being sent to an address you no longer check.